Switzerland’s ‘Crypto Valley’ Set To Test Blockchain Voting

Residents of the Swiss city, Zug, will use the city’s eID system to vote using their smartphones this month as part of a blockchain based voting test, according to the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. From June 25 to July 1, residents will download an app to register to vote.

The city, home to what’s known as the “Crypto Valley” because of its numerous blockchain startups, established its eID system last November and already has close to 200 users. Zug already accepts cryptocurrencies to pay for some city services.

Voters To Address Several Issues

Voters will be asked if they believe digital identifications should be used for paying parking fees and to borrow library books. They will also be asked if the digital IDs should be used for future referendums.

The results of the votes will not be binding since the polling is only a test. The city is trying to determine if blockchain technology can be used on a wider scale.

The city launched the eIDs last fall to give digital access for council services on a test basis. The test gave users full control over their data.

The voting pilot will be Switzerland’s first electronic polling test. The government wants two-thirds of the country’s cantons to offer electronic voting by the end of next year.

Digital ID Systems Expand

The Zug electronic ID system is not the only such system in Switzerland.

Another eID system in Canton Schaffhausen, launched with the assistance of Procivis, is not on a blockchain. This system, which will launch following a test that started in December, provides smartphone access to tax, road traffic, child protection and other departments. The access will also be granted to businesses.

Additionally, a national digital ID system called SwissSignwas launched last year by a private consortium consisting of banks, insurance companies, a stock exchange operator, Swiss Post, and Swiss Federal Railways.